Maybe funds would have gotten distributed if Ray Ray's brother-in-law Cedric Smith was getting a cut. Or maybe the funds weren't getting distributed because of racism.

report 0 likes, 0 dislikes   like  dislike

I am sorry to see ITT close its doors. I wish Mr. Hickerson and his team the best, always! Tina Edmunds-Ogbuokiri, Pharm.D., FASCP

report 0 likes, 0 dislikes   like  dislike

With the AIDS crisis striking directly at the heart of the African American community, the fact that critical services are being terminated due to administrative inadequacies is nothing short of criminal. Let us see what can be done to remedy this tragedy as soon as possible for the sake of the entire New Orleans community.

report 0 likes, 0 dislikes   like  dislike

It's unfortunate to have ITT close its doors but, hopefully, and soon, ITT can secure stable funding so that it can continue its participation in the HIV/AIDS fight....your services are needed in this fight. I wish you guys the best and despite the lack of funding, I know that you guys will continue in the HIV fight in some capacity. God Bless

report 0 likes, 0 dislikes   like  dislike

I am reminded of times in the past when other City Administrations were unable to administer Ryan White Title I funding properly-and many non-profits provided services to our people living with HIV and AIDS for months without compensation. Is it time for another march on City Hall to make sure that Ryan White funds and all other federal dollars get to the programs and people who need them?

report 0 likes, 0 dislikes   like  dislike

I understand that the federal funding has been in New Orleans since March but has not been distributed to agencies like ITT that need it. This failure offers still more evidence of the incompetence of this city's administration. To neglect the HIV+/AIDS community in this way constitutes an almost criminal failure to look out for New Orleans' citizens. Where are the funds? Why are they being blocked? Someone needs to investigate this matter very thoroughly. I hope the media are on the job.

report 0 likes, 0 dislikes   like  dislike

This incompetence in distributing funds which non profits have been awarded has been going on for years. Someone in the city administration ought to be fired! Hire someone who can do the job. Is the city deliberately withholding these funds for some reason? If there is a march on city hall to publicise this issue and to hold the mayor accountable...count me in.

report 0 likes, 0 dislikes   like  dislike

I echo Mr. Michael Hickerson's words and I, too, suggest: "Read between the lines" AND EXTRAPILATE! I recall a Mr. Nathanial Greene back in the 80's saying exactly the very same message that funding is lacking significantly especially in the minority communities. At that time Mr. Greene ruffled many feathers with his statements of fact - - - unfortunately, not much has changed for whatever the reason. History will look back upon these times and the truth will out in the end. Errol

report 0 likes, 0 dislikes   like  dislike

It's a sad day indeed for New Orleans. I've had the privilege to get to know Michael through my years of doing HIV advocacy. It's sad when mismanaging bureaucrats collect an undeserved paycheck at the expense of human lives. Shameful!!!

report 0 likes, 0 dislikes   like  dislike

Perhaps a march on City Hall is the answer, because while countless New Orleanians go without the services they need (and don't think for one minute this is only affecting people with HIV), these city employees have no interruption at all in their lives or jobs. They are accountable to NO ONE but us, and they know it and take advantage of it. Mr. Hickerson is a lone brave voice in a sea of people who are afraid to speak out against city hall for fear that they will have money withheld from their already cash -strapped agencies. This problem is rampant, and your tax dollars are being grossly mismanaged.

report 0 likes, 0 dislikes   like  dislike

Our poorly run city government has caused many to suffer, before and after the storm. This should be a wake-up call for citizens to make informed decisions when they vote. We have to put poeple in office who have vision for a better city, not just sound bytes for the media.

report 0 likes, 0 dislikes   like  dislike

The case rates are higher than the usual predictions, the needs greater in a complex post-Katrina service environment, the disparities becoming more glaring, and yet the same problems of expanding capacity to the most vulnerable is limited by what is done/not done. Yes, we distribute public money and have public accountability, but we also distribute death by our public decisions--inequitably.

report 0 likes, 0 dislikes   like  dislike

We really don’t need to read between the lines because it is as clear as the much needed bottled water that sat on the city limits after Katrina. This time FEMA won’t have to relocate any Aids’ victims; they can stay home. It seems like a personal problem for the Non Profits however, irresponsible government, greed, hatred, and indifference are everyone’s’ problems. We will all suffer yet again from those diseases. Sorry Michael...

report 0 likes, 0 dislikes   like  dislike

It is a sorry state of affairs when the city hae once again proved how incapble they are in assisting those in most need. The poor and sick and confused havs always been with us and fortunately there have always been those who have put their personal lives aside and worked to help in so many ways. Unfortuantely there have always been those who seek only their personal gain in government who have hampered this cause. I can only hope that these in city hall who have caused this situation sleep well as they will surely burn in HELL for these unforgiveable offenses to clients of ITT. GOOD LUCK MICHAEL, HOPEFULLY JUSTICE WILL PREVAIL

report 0 likes, 0 dislikes   like  dislike